Event Details
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Brookfield Conference Center
7:30-8:10 AM – Networking & Breakfast 8:10-10:00 AM – Welcome & Program 10:20-12:00 PM – Breakout Sessions
Women in Business Symposium
This half-day symposium filled with valuable insights will help you take your career and leadership skills to the next level. Hear a panel of women from a range of industries discuss their journeys, attend breakout sessions to go deeper on important topics, network with women from across the southeastern Wisconsin business community and join in celebrating the 2025 Woman Executive of the Year.
LEADING THROUGH UNCERTAINTY
Join us on August 21st for this half-day symposium filled with actionable insights to apply in your own life and career. Hear a panel of women from a range of industries discuss their journeys, attend breakout sessions to go deeper on important topics, network with women from across the southeastern Wisconsin business community and join in celebrating the 2025 Woman Executive of the Year.
Keynote
The program will begin with a keynote presentation from Becky Frankiewicz, the recently named president and chief strategy officer of ManpowerGroup. Her responsibilities at the company include development and execution of strategic plans, innovation, and the infusion of artificial intelligence.
Panel Discussion
After the keynote, attendees will hear from a panel of business leaders from across southeastern Wisconsin.
Main Panel Discussion:
- Roberta Brehm, President, Vyron (1)
- Jessie Cannizzaro, Owner/Master Plumber, Milestone Plumbing (2)
- Becky Frankiewicz, President & Chief Strategy Officer, ManpowerGroup (3)
- Tami Martin, Director of Workforce Development, Froedtert Health (4)
Moderator: Portia Young, Director of Corporate Public Relations, Sargento; Host, Milwaukee PBS (5)
Breakout Sessions
Negotiating with Confidence and Clarity
Negotiation isn’t one-size-fits-all—it takes confidence, emotional intelligence, and the ability to adapt under pressure. This engaging panel draws from a range of high-stakes experiences—from salary discussions to business deals to law enforcement de-escalation. Learn how to navigate tense moments, stay grounded in your values, and walk away with better outcomes. Whether you’re in the boardroom or on the front lines, the skills apply.
Takeaways:
• Build confidence to enter any negotiation prepared.
• Use emotional intelligence to reduce conflict.
• Adapt tactics to fit the moment and audience
» Melanie Eden, Owner, SUV Properties
» Rosario Sanchez-Ledesma, Principal & Co-Founder, LIFECAMP
» Anne E. Schwartz, Trainer and Advisor for Law Enforcement Strategic Communications
Moderator: Susan Marshall, Author, Founder, Backbone Institute
Doing Hard Things: Leading Through Life’s Toughest Moments
Resilience isn’t built in easy times—it’s forged in adversity. This panel explores how women have faced personal and professional challenges head-on and found the strength to keep going. From loss and setbacks to reinvention and recovery, hear real stories of grit, clarity, and courage. You’ll walk away reminded that you’re not alone—and more equipped to keep moving forward.
Takeaways:
• Build resilience through uncertainty.
• Reframe adversity as a catalyst for growth.
• Find strength in vulnerability and community.
» Genene Hibbler, Founder and Executive Director, Heart 2 Heart Compassionate Widow’s Circles
» Erin Levzow, Co-Founder and Host, Byte-Sized & Bossy podcast
» Sandy Wysocki, Executive Director, Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts
Moderator: Maredithe Meyer, Associate Editor, BizTimes Media
Courage to Lead Differently: Redefining Leadership for a New Era
Today’s leadership isn’t about fitting into old molds—it’s about leading with purpose, empathy, and courage. In this session, our panelists will share how they’ve challenged expectations, navigated change, and led authentically. Whether you’re stepping into leadership or redefining your path, this session offers practical inspiration to lead in ways that align with who you are.
Takeaways:
• Redefine leadership on your own terms.
• Embrace inclusive, values-driven leadership.
• Lead confidently through change and uncertainty.
» Sarah Maio, Executive Strategist, Marketing and Communications Leader
» Lori Richards, CEO, Mueller Communications
» Lacey Sadoff, President, Badger Liquor
Moderator: Beth Ridley, Founder and CEO, Ridley Consulting Group
How can I help? Tapping into your network
The strongest networks aren’t built overnight—they’re nurtured with honesty, generosity, and trust. In this session panelists share how they’ve leaned on their networks during pivotal moments and why giving often leads to unexpected growth. Learn how to ask for help with clarity and confidence, while also being the kind of connector others rely on.
Takeaways:
• Build authentic relationships before you need them.
• Ask for support without guilt or fear.
• Create value by giving generously.
» Aliah Berman, Global Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer, TBWA\ Worldwide & GMR Marketing
» Bev Greenberg, Executive Producer, Project Pitch It
» Kimberley Noble, Director of Recruiting, TEKsystems
Moderator: Ashley Smart, Reporter, BizTimes Media
AI 201: Integrating Artificial and Human Intelligence For Purposeful Work
In session, panelists will discuss how AI is impacting work behaviors and what is needed to set boundaries to preserve human agency, ethics and trust.
Takeaways:
• Learn how to evolve work practices to remain both technologically fluent and deeply human
• Be inspired to shape your own approach to effective, values-aligned ways to integrate AI
» Lena DeLaet, Sales Director, Director, Summerfest Tech, Milwaukee World Festivals, Inc.
» Yolonda Evans, CEO, Founder, Project T.I.M.E LLC
» Nicole Pulito, Ph.D., Organizational Psychologist, President, Gulan Pulito Coaching & Consulting
Moderator: Phyllis King, Chief Strategist for AI Advancement, Waukesha County Technical College
The Power of No: Boundaries, Balance, and Bold Decisions
Learn how saying “no” can be a strategic step forward, not a setback. This candid conversation explores how setting boundaries, declining misaligned opportunities, and honoring personal values can strengthen—not stall—your personal and career growth.
Takeaways:
• Discover how to say no with clarity and purpose.
• Learn to set boundaries that support long-term goals.
• Gain tools to navigate professional choices aligned with your values.
» Stephanie Krubsack, Sustainability & Wellness Communications, Purevant Living
» Marilyn Thiet, President and CEO, EDGE Performance Acceleration
» Tiffany Wynn, Regional Senior Marketing Director, Ascension Wisconsin
Moderator: Jessica Jallings Gomez, Correspondent, Matter of Fact with Soledad O’Brien
Presented By
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Past Events
Interested in sponsoring an event? To reap the benefits of the ultimate in-person marketing opportunity contact Linda Crawford, Director of Sales, to discuss opportunities. Event sponsorships are limited.
